"Most have returned to their territory. A few remained—those most loyal to your father, according to Mateo." Maison sat on the edge of the bed, careful to maintain distance between us. "Word of your victory has spread through all the territories. The first female Alpha of a founding pack in generations. The return of Moon Wolf magic." I closed my eyes briefly, the weight of what I'd done—what I'd become—settling over me. "I never wanted any of this." "I know." His voice was gentle. "But sometimes our legacies choose us." I opened my eyes to find him watching me with that intense gaze that seemed to see past all my carefully constructed walls. "Where's Jackson?" I asked, suddenly aware of his absence. "Handling pack business. Father thought it best if we..." he hesitated, "...didn't ov

